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A New Look Looks Good on the Knicks

The new Knicks, without Nazr Mohammed but with Malik Rose and Maurice Taylor, made their debut to favorable reviews last night. And although it may be too early to tell how this reconstructed team will fare the rest of the way, these Knicks did something the old squad rarely accomplished: they manhandled a decent team.

Winning their second straight game for the first time since late December, the Knicks defeated Indiana, 90-79, at Madison Square Garden. It was their fourth straight victory at home.

The newest Knicks were not the stars, but Rose did make an important contribution. He made his debut with 8 minutes 45 seconds remaining in the second quarter, entering to little applause before dominating the boards. He pulled down eight rebounds in the quarter, four of them on the offensive end. He had one field goal in three attempts and scored 2 points. While Rose was in the game, the Knicks increased their lead by 5 points.

Rose said he needed the quick start. "I was a little nervous out there," he said. "I didn't want to go in there and make a lot of mistakes. I'm glad I got that basket and glad we got the win."

Knicks Coach Herb Williams said: "Malik is tough. He did just what I expected him to do. He went in, rebounded, played good defense and he was aggressive. He did a real good job on Jermaine O'Neal, and he went to the offensive glass."

Taylor, acquired from the Rockets on Thursday, did not enter the game until 28.4 seconds remained in the third quarter. He scored his first points as a Knick with 11:35 remaining in the game. Sidelined with the flu and plantar fasciitis, Taylor had not played since Jan. 17.

Rose and Taylor, who played five minutes, each finished with 2 points. Rose did not play again after his second-quarter stint.

Williams said he did not put Rose back in the game because he had achieved his goal of getting a feel for how Rose can fit into the Knicks' lineup.

The Pacers (28-27) were led by O'Neal, who had 24 points. But the game did not end well for O'Neal, who had to be helped off the court with 1:06 remaining after a collision with Marbury. X-rays of O'Neal's ribs were negative.

"We are playing way better than we had been playing," Marbury said. "We have been playing good defense. Whenever you can hold a team to 42 percent, you are doing a good job."

Crawford completed a 3-point play with 6:08 left to give the Knicks a 40-32 lead. With the Pacers failing to score a basket over the final 5:48 of the first half, the Knicks increased their lead to 47-37 at halftime.

Playing its fourth game in five nights, Indiana seemed sluggish.

The Pacers went 7:30 without a field goal, which ended when Scot Pollard hit a jumper with 10:18 left in the third quarter. The Pacers showed some life with a 7-0 run, fueled by two baskets by Miller, including a 3-pointer. The run cut the Knicks' lead to 4 points. But the Knicks scored the next 5 points.

After three quarters, the Knicks led, 71-60. Indiana never seriously threatened in the fourth quarter.

The Knicks said they still had their eyes on making the playoffs, despite their record. But they must win 18 of their remaining 26 regular-games to finish .500. Even that would not guarantee them a playoff spot. At least they have something going for them they have not had in a couple of months: a bit of momentum.

"We're just playing hard," Tim Thomas said. "That's the difference. It's not chemistry. We're just busting our butts. Playing hard like that will make a huge difference. It's a long season, and we still have a chance to accomplish what we want to accomplish."